Automatic phonograph



Oct. 3, 1944.

E. F. ANDREWS AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet l gawazdfdmaw,

Zak/672x22,

Oct. 3, 1944. ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMATI C PHONOGRAPH flrizinal Filed Dec. 20, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 3, 1944. E. F. ANDREWS 22,551

AUTOMATIC PHONQGRAPH Original Filed pee. 20, 195'! 1a Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 3, 1944. E. F. ANDREWS AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 V VY////// Oct. 3, 1944. ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 a Q? fg;

V////////////////////////Z J Z 140 W Oct. 3, 1944. ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMAT I C PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 Oct. 3, 1944. E, ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMAT I C PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 Oct. 3, 1944. E. F. ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMAT I C PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 SheetsSheet 8 III/III! 3 g M" i 233 202 4 u 2 Efimfi vamumw 9 4 f 2 Im 14: 234 A WM M Get. 3, 1944. E. F. ANDREWS 22551 AUTOMA'I' I C PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 #1 F622: flzo:

Oct. 3, 1944. ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMATI C PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 193' 13 Sheets-Sheet l0 drew 2e04 Oct. 3, 1944. E. F. ANDREWS AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet ll Oct. 3, 1944. ANDREWS Re. 22,551

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec. 20, 1937 15 Sheets-Sheet 12 20, 1937 15 Sheets-Sheet 13 E. F. ANDREWS AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Original Filed Dec.

Oct. 3, 1944.

Reissued Oct. 3, 1944 AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Edward F. Andrews, Chicago, Ill.

Original No. 2,281,547, dated May 5, 1942, Serial No. 180,752, December 20, 1937. Application for reissue January 18, 1943, Serial No. 472,776

66 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic phonographs, and particularly to automatic phonographs which are adapted to play any desired one of a plurality of records, or any desired plurality of records in the desired or approximately the desired sequence.

The present invention enables the records to be stored in a magazine in compact relation so that the phonograph may be used for the storage of a large library of records, any and all of which are immediately available for automatic playing without being touched by the hand. My improved phonograph comprises a traveling carriage which is equipped with mechanism for removing any selected record from the magazine, playing either or both sides of the record, and returning it to its position in the magazine. The number of records for which the machine is adapted is a matter of choice, since all the operating mechanism is on the carriage, and all that is necessary for the production of a machine which will play a much greater number of records is the provision of a longer magazine, correspondingly longer ways or supports for the traveling carriage, and the provision of the appropriate selector means for the additional records.

As will hereinafter appear, the selector means are simple rod stops, and the magazine merely comprises two bars and spacers supporting the records in close propinquity.

My improved phonograph is adapted for the reception of records by merely placing them in the magazine, and is adapted for the playing of records of either of the conventional sizes.

While this invention comprises many inventive combinations, sub-combinations, and features, which are hereinafter defined in the appended claims, for convenience in understanding the invention, the general nature of the operation of the device will be first described in broad terms.

According to this invention, I provide a magazine for supporting the records. The magazine may be adapted for any number of records desired, and since they occupy a relatively small space in the magazine, the number of records which the machine will receive and deliver for playing is practically unlimited. I provide a carriage which is adapted automatically to travel along the magazine. Selector means, individual to each record, are provided for the arrestment of the carriage in position to cooperate with any of the records in the magazine. The traveling carriage is provided with means for transferring a record from the magazine to record-rotating means on the carriage and for returning the record when played back to the magazine. The carriage is provided with pick-up means for the playing of the record. The pick-up means is rotatable so that either side of the record may be played or both sides may be played, as desired, the selector means being adapted to enable the played to select any record and to control the playing of either or both sides thereof, as desired. The traveling carriage is provided with power means for its bodily travel, for the record transfer, for the record-rotating means, and for other functions necessary for the playing of either side of the record in the manner selected.

In the normal operation of the machine, the selector means are first actuated to select the playing of either or both sides of any number of records in the magazine. The power means is then put into operation, and the carriage starts from its initial position and moves bodily until it is arrested by the first actuated selector means. There are two selector means for each record, corresponding one to each side. Which of the selector means is actuated determines the position and the direction of the pick-up and the needle so as to play the appropriate side of the record. The record transfer means cooperates with the record in the magazine in alignment therewith, to remove the record from the magazine, which removal need not be complete, bringing it into cooperative relation with the record-rotating means. The record-rotating means new engages the record and rotates it in the appropriate direction for playing the side selected. Both directions of rotation are preferably provided by the employment of reversible power means, which may suitably take the form of a reversible motor mounted on the carriage. The pick-up is connected to suitable amplifying and reproducing means so that the reproduction of the record is audible. After the playing of the record, the transfer mechanism returns the record to the magazine. If only one selector means of the record is actuated to play one side of the record, then that selector means is returned to its initial position and after that side is played. the carriage then moves to the next actuated selector, where the operation is repeated. In the event that it is desired to play both sides of the record, one side is played first, the record is returned to the magazine, and the corresponding seelctor means is discharged. The pick-up arm is turned around to enable the needle to cooperate with the other side of the record at the opposite edge, and when that side is played, the other selector means is discharged, and the carriage moves on to the next actuated selector means. This sequence is continued indefinitely until all the records corresponding to the actuated selector means have been played and the carriage is moved all along the magazine. The carriage is then driven in the opposite direction back to its initial position, and the power is auto. matically cut off.

The invention will be more completely understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

-Fig. 1 is a sectional view through a phonograph cabinet showing in plan view a phonograph embodying my invention. The view also includes a diagrammatic showing of an amplifier and loudspeaker. The phonograph shown in this view is adapted to play 100 records but it may be made to accommodate 50 records by reducing the length to the extent shown by the partition illustrated by dot and dash lines.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the carriage as viewed on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, the bar I23 used to support record selector rods being broken away and the driving motor being omitted better to illustrate other details. In this view the tone arm is shown in playing engagement with a record.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the carriage shown in Fig. 1, with a record in playing position and the tone arm in playing engagement with a record.

Fig. 4 is an end view of the carriage, as viewed from the left of Fig. 1 or more properly a side elevation looking upwardly at the carriage as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of the carriage and record magazine, the section being taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional plan, the section being taken on the line B6 of Fig. 5 and illustrating details of the carriage drive.

Fig. '7 is a sectional elevation of the carriage taken on the irregular line 'l-l. of Fig. 2, the upper part of the carriage and some elements carried by it being omitted better to illustrate structural details of the carriage stopping means, the carriage drive clutch, and the cam shaft drive.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional detail plan view, taken on the line B8 of Fig. 7 and illustrating details of the carriage drive clutch.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional detail plan, taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7 and illustrating the carriage stopping arrangement just prior to the carriage reaching an actuated record selector rod.

Fig. 10 is a similar view, showing the elements after the carriage has been stopped by an actuated record selector rod.

Fig. 11 is a sectional plan view of the tone arm in playing engagement with the left hand side of a record, and associated tone arm operating elements.

Fig. 12 is a similar view, showing the tone arm elevated away from the record.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12, with the tone arm rotated to play the right hand side of a record and out of playing engagement with a record.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing the tone arm in playing engagement with the right hand side of a record.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of the upper portion of the carriage, the view being taken on the line IBI5 of Fig. 2, and illustrating further details of the tone arm operating mechanism and or the record clamping means operating mechanisr.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional elevation through the cam shaft, taken on the line lB-ll of Fig. 5.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional elevation through an auxiliary supporting and guiding shaft for various operating mechanisms, taken on the line l|l I of Fig. 5.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the line l8l8 of Fig. 2. The view is also taken along the line ll-IB of Fig. 16. This section line illustrates more clearly the exact location of the section line. The view illustrates the details of the record clamping means operating mechanism and of the tone arm operating mechanism.

Figs. 19 and 20 are similar views showing the elements in different positions.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary sectional elevation, taken on the line 2 l2i of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary plan view showing the levers and associated elements for controlling the record engaging elements and the movement of the tone arm towards and away from the record. The view is a plan view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 15.

Figs. 23, 24 and 25 are similar views showing the levers and elements in different relative positions.

Fig. 26 is an exploded view of the control cams showing their relative angular positions on the cam shaft.

Fig. 27 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 21-21- of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for ,controlling the direction of rotation of the motor and for moving the tone arm into initial playing position.

Figs. 28, 29 and 30 are similar views, showing the elements in different positions.

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary sectional detail view, taken on the line 3 l3| of Fig. 2. of elements for effecting rotation of the tone arm.

Fig. 32A is a diagrammatic view showing the tone arm movement during the playing of the left side of a record and subsequent movement thereof conditioning it to play the right side of a record.

Fig. 323 is a similar view showing the tone arm movement during the playing of the right side of a record and subsequent movement conditioning it to play the left side of a record.

Fig. 32C is a similar view showing the tone arm movement during the playing of the left side of a record and subsequent movement conditioning it to play the same side of another record.

Fig. 32D is a similar view showing the tone arm movement during the playing of the right side of a record and subsequent movement conditioning it to play the same side of another record.

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary plan view of the motor reversing switch and the switch operating disc.

Fig. 34 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 34-34 of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for controlling the reversing switch operating disc and associated elements.

Fig. 35 is a similar view showing certain of the elements shown in Fig. 34 in a diiierent position.

Fig. 36 is a sectional view, taken on the line 36-30 of Fig. 2, showing the record transfer mechanism in one position. The supporting plate I40 and other elements have been omitted better to illustrate the construction and operation of the transfer mechanism.

Figs. 37 and 38 are similar views showing the mechanism in different positions.

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary sectional plan view, taken on the line 39-39 of Fig. 3'7, showing the main shaft and associated elements of the record transfer mechanism. This view shows the supporting plate I40 and also the other supporting plate I4I.

Fig. 40 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 40-40 of Fig. 38.

Figs. 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 are diagrammatic views illustrating the operation of the record transfer elements.

Fig. 46 is a. sectional detail view, taken on the line 46-46 of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for locating the tone arm at initial playing position,

the mechanism being shown to locate the tone arm at initial playing position for a large record.

Fig. 47 is a similar view, showing the mechanism in a position to locate the tone arm at initial playing position for a smaller record.

Fig. 48 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 48-48 of Fig. 2, showing the trip mechanism.

Figs. 49 and 50 are similar views showing the trip mechanism in different positions.

Fig. 51 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line I-5I of Fig. 5, showing the record engaging and rotating means.

Fig. 52 is a similar view showing said means in'a different position.

Fig. 53 is a detail view partly in section showing the record selecting and control mechanism, as viewed from the front on the line 53-53 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 54 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 54-54 of Fig. 53.

Fig. 55 is a fragmentary view of the selector mechanism, taken on the line 55-55 of Fig. 54.

Fig. 56 is a fragmentary detail showing 9. record engaged by the record rotating means, and

Fig. 57 is a wiring diagram.

Referring to the drawings, IOI designates a cabinet in which the automatic phonograph is enclosed. The front wall of the cabinet includes a plate I02 of metal, which is provided with openings for record selector rods I03. These selector rods carry at their outer ends buttons I04, whereby the rods may be pushed inwardly for selection of records to be played. A starting button I05 and a. stop button I06 also projects forwardly through the plate I02, as best shown in Figs. 1 and 53.

Two end frames I01 and I08 are mounted on the end walls of the cabinet (see Fig. 1). These end frames are connected together by front and rear longitudinal frame members I00 and H0. Two record supporting bars III and H2 extend between the frames I01 and I08. As best seen in Fig. 5, these bars are of rectangular section, but have their upper faces H3 cut to conform to the periphery of the records III, which are supported vertically thereon. The upper and outer portions of the faces I I3 are suitably formed with a curvature corresponding to a 122" record, while the lower or inner portions of the faces II3 are suitably conformed to the curvature of a record. A series of wire or plate guides II5 are mounted on the bars III and H2 so as to extend upwardly therefrom, as shown in Fig. 5. The guides H5 may suitably be in the form of an inverted U member, and they are displaced somewhat towards the rear wall of the cabinet so as to reduce the travel necessary for the record to clear the guides when the record moves into playing position. A 12" record is shown in playing position in the left hand side of Fig. 5, and it will be seen in this figure that the record being played is clear of the guides I I5 which normally support it in the magazine. The, guides II5 are placed close together; for example, they may be on or A inch centers on the rods III and H2. As best seen in Fig. 1. the guides II5 support the records I I4 in vertical position transverse with respect to rods I I I and I I2. The cabinet may be provided with a movable cover or upper wall so that records may be placed in position by merely dropping a record between two adjacent guides II5 onto the bars III and H2. As will hereinafter be pointed out, the records may be mounted on the record rotating means, and they may be placed in the maagzine by the operation of the record returning mechanism. A comb-like member H6 is secured to and depends below the bar III and is provided with a series of slots III, each of which is in alignment with a record receiving space between adjacent guides II5. As will be pointed out hereinafter, the slots Ill serve to locate the movable carriage in alignment with the selected records.

Two longitudinal tubes H8 and H0 extend between the end frame members I01 and I08. These tubes are in parallel spaced relation and serve for the support of the carriage I20. Near the right hand end, the inner or rear face of the tube H8 is cut away as shown at I2I. while the inner or forward face of the tube H9 is cut away at its left hand end at I22, as shown in Figs. 1 and 6. The purpose of the recesses I2I and I22 will hereinafter appear.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1, 5, and 53 to 55, it may be seen that a longitudinal bar I23 extends between the end frame members I01 and I08 adjacent the front plate I02 and parallel thereto. The bar I23 is provided with openings through which extend the inner ends of the record selector rods I03. Two rods I03 are provided in vertical alignment for each of the record spaces on the magazine. The rods I03 are displaced somewhat to the right with respect to the records or record spaces with which they are operatively associated. As best seen in Fig. 5. the upper rods I03 are bent upwardly and the lower rods I 03 are bent downwardly so that the upper buttons I04 are substantially spaced from the lower buttons I04, notwithstanding that the near ends of the rods I03 are located quite close together. The upper series of buttons I04 and the lower series of buttons I04 are alternately staggered in a vertical direction so as to enable any button to be pressed inwardly without disturbing the buttons adjacent thereto. Between the upper and lower series of buttons I04, I provide two opposed lips or beads I24 which are adapted to receive between them flexible tabs I25. These tabs may be used for the titles of the selections on the opposite sides of a record, or they may be used for key numbers whereby selections may be identified with reference to an index. It may here be explained with reference to Fig. 53 that each vertically aligned pair of buttons I04 is associated with one individual record and that the upper button is associated with the selection on the left hand side of the record (referring to Fig. 1), and that lower button I04 is associated with the selection on the right hand side. Friction means are provided so as to keep the rods I53 in any position in which they are placed. such friction means may suitably comprise springs I25 mounted on the upper and lower edges of the bar I23 so as to bear against the rods I03.

The start button I05 is mounted on the end of a rod I21 which extends through an opening in the bar I23. At its rear end, beyond the bar I23, the rod I21 has rigidly mounted thereon a collar I23 which limits its movement in the forward direction. Between the bar I23 and the front plate I02 the rod I21 rigidly carries a grooved collar I23. A coiled spring I30 located around the rod I21 bears against the bar I23 and against the collar I25 so as to tend to maintain the rod I21 in its outer or forward position. The groove of the collar I23 receives the end of an arm I3I of a switch I32 which is rigidly mounted on the bar I23 by means of a bracket I33. When the rod I21 is in its forward position, that is, the full line position as shown in Fig. 54, the switch I32 is oil.

When, however, the button I05 is pushed inwardly, the collar I29 moving inwardly with the rod I21 throws the switch I32 on, the on position being shown in dotted lines in Fig. 54.

On the rear side of the bar I23 is pivotally mounted a two armed dog I34. This dog is biased upwardly by means of a spring I35 so that one of its arms bears against the collar I25 when the button I05 is in its outermost or stop position. When the button I05 is moved inwardly to close the switch I32 and start the machine, the spring I35 moves the dog I34 so as to bring its lower arm up in front of the collar I23, and consequently the switch I32 is held closed until the dog I34 is again moved clear of the collar I23. When such movement occurs, the spring I30 throws the rod I21 outwardly again and opens the switch I32. The other arm of the dog I34 projects upwardly beyond the bar I23 so that it may be engaged by the carriage I20 when it returns to its initial position. The dog I34 may also be displaced against the tension of the spring I35 by means of the stop button I05 carried by a rod I35. The inner end of the rod I35 is normally located within an opening in the bar I23 and is of tapering form, as best seen in dotted lines in Fig. 54. When the button I05 is pressed inwardly, the tapered end of the rod I35 is projected rearwardly out of the bar I23 and its tapered end cams the dog I34 downwardly against the tension of the spring I35 so as to release the rod I21 and effect the opening of the switch I32. The rod I33 is biased forwardly by a spring I31 (see Fig. 1) which bears against the bar I23 and against a collar I33, rigidly mounted on the rod I33 so as to bias the button I05 outwardly. A collar I33 rigidly carried by the rod I35 immediately behind the plate I02 serves as a stop to limit the outward movement of the rod I33.

The carriage I20 comprises two parallel frame plates I40 and HI which are secured together in parallel spaced relation by means of shouldered bolts. I43. The plates I40 and I are also rigidly connected by means of horizontal, vertically spaced apart, bridge members I44, I45, and I45 shown in section in Fig. '7. The plates I40 and I4I are each provided on their under side with openings I55 (Figs. 4 and 5), the upper portions of which openings receive the tubes H3 and H5 upon which the carriage I20 rides. The plates I40 and I carry rollers I53 (Figs. 5 and 6) which bear against the front side of the supporting tube I I3 and against the rear side of the supporting tube II3 so that the carriage I25 ma move freely on the guide tubes H3 and III and at the same time be held against rotative displacement transversely with respect to these tube supports.

A motor I41 is resiliently mounted on a bracket I43 carried by the frame plate I45, as shown in Fig. 5. The shaft I43 of the motor, which includes a pair of universal joint connections I55 and I5I. extends upwardly obliquely, and its upper end is supported by bearings I52 between which the shaft I43 carries a worm I53. The worm I53 cooperates with a worm gear I51 which is rigidly mounted on a sleeve I55 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing I55 in the upper part of the frame plate I40, as best seen in Figs. 51 and 52. One end of sleeve I53 has a flang I50 which bears against the inner side of a boss I5I, in which the bearing I53 is located. The worm gear I51 is secured against displacement by means of a nut I52, which is secured to the end of the sleeve I53 opposite the flange I55. A tubular shaft I33 extends through the sleeve I53 so as to slide therein in its longitudinal direction. The sleeve I53 is keyed to the tubular shaft I53 so that both elements rotate together when the motor is in operation. The tubular shaft I53 is supported at its opposite end in a bearing in a boss I54 in the upper portion of the plate I. Between the sleeve I53 and the boss I54, two opposed bevel gears I05 and I55 are mounted on the hollow shaft I33. These gears mesh with a bevel gear I51, which is connected to a shaft I53 which extends downwardly between the plates I40 and I, as best seen in Fig. 7. The upper end of the shaft I53 has a bearing in the bridge member I44, and below this bridge member it carries a gear I53, the purpose of which will hereinafter be more fully described.

Between the bevel gears I35 and I53 is mounted a sleeve I10. This sleeve is provided with a slot "I in which is received a pin I12 carried by the hollow shalt I33, so that the hollow shaft I53 may move longitudinally within the sleeve I15, which sleeve, however, will rotate with the hollow shaft I33. Two coil springs, both of which are left-handed, I13 and I14, are located around the sleeve I10. The remote ends of the springs I13 and I14 are secured to the bevel gears I55 and I35 respectively. A washer I15 is mounted on the sleeve I10 so as to separate the two springs I13 and I14. The springs I13 and I14 have a normal diameter which is slightly smaller than the exterior of the sleeve I10, so that they tend to contract upon this sleeve. When the hollow shaft I53 is driven in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the left hand side of Fig 51, the spring I13 tends to tighten on the sleeve I10 so that the bevel gear I55 is caused to rotate in the same direction as the hollow shaft I33, that is, the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 51. This rotation of the shaft I33 tends to loosen the spring I14; consequently, the gear I55 is driven while the gear I55 tends to idle. In idling, it is driven in the opposite direction, that is, the clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 51, owing to the connection of both these gears with the bevel gear I31. This clockwise rotation of the gear I35 tends further to loosen the spring I14. The bevel gear I51 and the shaft I53 are driven it} the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in p an.

When, however, the direction of the motor Is reversed and the gear wheel I51 is rotated in clockwise direction. as viewed from the left in Fla. 51, the pring I14 is tightened on the sleeve I18 and the spring I18 is loosened. Under these circumstances, the gear I88 is driven in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 51, and the gear I88 idles in the opposite direction. In this case, again, the gear I81 and the shaft I88 are driven in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in plan. Consequently, irrespectlve of the direction of the motor, it always operates to drive the shaft I88 in the same direction.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 5, 6, and 7, it may be seen that the lower end of the shaft I88 is rigidly secured to a sleeve I18 which projects beyond the lower end of the shaft. The projecting portion of the sleeve I18 freely resolves the upper end of a shaft I11, which has bearings in the bridge members I48 and I48, as best seen in Fig. '7. The shaft I11 rigidly carries a collar I18, which abuts against the lower end of the sleeve I18. Freely mounted on the exterior of the sleeve I18 is a sleeve I18. The lower portion of the sleeve I19 is dared to provide a housing between it and the sleeve I18 for the reception of a coil spring I88, which is adapted to grasp the sleeve I18. The upper end of the coil spring I88 is secured to the sleeve I18, and its lower end is secured to the collar I18. The spring I88 is a right hand spring, and it will readily be seen that the rotation of the shaft I88 in the counterclockwise direction. as viewed in plan. will accentuate the grip of the spring upon the sleeve I18 and consequently effect the driving of the shaft I11 in the same direction. The clutch provided by the spring I88 is adapted to be released by a detent I8I on a bell crank lever I82, which is pivotally mounted on a shaft I88. When this bell crank lever is swung in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 7. the detent I8I moves into the path of one of the teeth I54 (Fig. 8) on the lower flange of the sleeve I19. The arrestment of the sleeve I19 loosens the spring on the shaft I11 and terminates the drive of the shaft for the time being. It may here be noted that this clockwise movement of the bell crank lever I82 also releases a dog I84, with the result that a plurality of cams, hereinafter described, are set in operation.

Two arms I85 are freely mounted upon the shaft I11 above the bridge member I48, as shown in Fig. '7. These arms are separated by a sleeve I88. A wheel I81 of rubber or other suitable resilient material is mounted between the two arms I85 by means of a shaft I88 (see Fig. 6), to which the wheel I81 is rigidly secured. This shaft I88 is rigidly secured, above the upper arm I95, to a gear I89 which meshes with a pinion I98, rigidly mounted on the shaft I11. It may be noted that the shaft I11 is located halfway between the tubular supports H8 and I I9, and that the wheel I81 is arranged so that it may operatively engage either of these tubular supports. As best seen in Fig. 6, the sum of the pitch radius of the pinion I98, the pitch radius of the gear I89, and the effective radius of the wheel I81, is somewhat less than the distance between the axis of the shaft I81 and either of the bars H8 and H9. The result is that the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft I11 tends to carry the arms I85 and the wheel I81 bodily around with it until the wheel I81 is wedged forcibly against one of the bars III or II9. When the wheel I81 can be carried no further in the clockwise direction around the shaft I11, it is rotated by its own shaft I88 so that the carriage I28 is translated along the ways or tubular guides I I8 and I II. In Fig. 6, the carriage is shown moving to the left, owing to the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft I11. when the carriage approaches the left hand end frame I81, the wheel I81 enters the recess I22 and no longer ope'ratively engages the bar Il9. Consequently, the wheel I81 rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft I11 until it engages the bar I I8. If the drive of the shaft I11 was maintained indefinitely and the carriage was not stopped in any way, the car riage would then be driven'towards the right hand frame member I88, and when the wheel I81 entered the recess III in the bar I I8, it would be free to swing around into an engagement with the bar H9, and the carriage would oscillate backward and forward indefinitely. As will hereinafter be more fully described, the carriage is normally arrested by one or more of the rods I88, and when the carriage returns towards its initial or left hand position, it engages the upper end of the dog I84 and opens the switch I82, which cuts off the power to the motor. When, however, the start button I88 is again pressed, the motor starts operating and the translation of the carriage I28 towards the right is again initiated.

When the record is being played, it is engaged near its center on opposite sides by two small turntables or record clamping members I9I and I82, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The turntable IN is supported by means of an anti-friction bearing on the upper end of a bracket I98. The bracket is secured to the outer or left hand side of the frame plate I48. The bracket I98 extends for a considerable distance in parallel spaced relation to the plate I48 so that the largest records used may be accommodated between the bracket I98 and the frame plate I48. when the record is in playing position. The bracket I98 preferably extends downwardly and forwardly so that the path of the record between the magazinc and playing position is not impeded by the bracket. The small turntable I82 is rigidly mounted on the left hand end of the previously described hollow shaft I88, to the left hand side of the gear I51. This hollow shaft is capable of longitudinal movement between the positions shown in Figs. 51 and 52, but it rotates with the gear I51, being keyed thereto as shown at I94. The sleeve I58 is provided with a recess I95, which receives a spring I88. The left hand end of the spring I98 bears against a shoulder on the sleeve I58, and the other end bears against a shoulder I91 on the hollow shaft I88. The spring I98 thus tends to move the small turntable I92 into the position shown in Fig. 52. The right end of the hollow shaft I88 is provided with an axial recess I98. A record centering pin I99 is adapted to move in the left hand end of the hollow shaft I88 carrying turntable I92 and is adapted to project into an opening 288 in the center of the small turntable I9I. The centering pin is carried on one end of a rod 28I, which extends through the bore of the hollow shaft I83. At its right hand end, the rod 28I carries a small disc 282, which is adapted to engage the right hand end of the hollow shaft I88. A spring 283, located in the recess I98, normally tends to move the rod 28I to the right relative to the hollow shaft I88. The rod "I and the hollow shaft I88 are adapted to be moved to the left by means of a lever 284, which will hereinafter be more fully described. When the lever 284 moves to the right from the position shown in Fig. 51 into the position shown in Fig. 52, the spring I99, which is stronger than the spring 293, first moves the hollow shaft I93 to the right with the pin I99 projecting out or the hollow shaft I93, the cen-' tering pin I99 and the pin 29l being first translated to the right while substantially maintaining the relation shown in Fig. 51.

When the shoulder I91 on shaft I99 is arrested at the end of its travel towards the right, the spring 293 becomes effective, so that the centering pin I99 is completely withdrawn into the hollow shaft I93, as shown in Fig. 52. When the lever 299 is pressed to the left, as viewed in Figs. 51 and 52, the pin 29I is first displaced toward the left, owing to the fact that the spring I99 is much stronger than the spring 293. That is, the first effect of the movement of the lever 299 to the left is the projection of the pin I99 outwardly to the left, beyond the small turntable I92. As will hereinafter be explained, this projection occurs when a record is located between the turntables I9I and I92 with its center opening out of alignment with the pin I99. The record is then moved into alignment and the pin I99 springs into its center opening. Continued movement of the lever 299 to the left, owing to the engagement of the disc 292 with the right hand end of the sleeve I63, causes the sleeve and the rod "I to move together to the left so that the centering pin I99 extends into the opening 299 in the turntable I9I, and the record I I9 which is located between the two turntables I9I and I92, becomes clamped therebetween and is immediately set into rotation by the motor I91. The direction of rotation of the record depends upon the direction of rotation of the motor.

The tone or player arm will now be described in conjunction with Figs, 1 to 4 and 11 to 14 and more particularly the latter. This tone arm carries a pickup 295 and a needle 299. The pickup 295 is carried at the end of an arm member 291, which is pivotally mounted by means of a rod 299 upon a frame 299, which comprises parallel arms H9 and a collar 2 between them, the axis of which is at right angles to the rod 299. The collar 2 is rigidly secured to a sleeve 2I2, which is rotatably mounted in a bushing 2I3, carried by a U shaped frame or yoke 2. At its inner end, and within the U shaped frame member 2I9, the sleeve 2I2 carries a bevel gear 2I5. The bevel gear 2I5 meshes with a bevel gear 216, which is mounted within the frame member 2I9 adjacent one side thereof, as may be seen in Fig. 11. The gear 2I9 is keyed to a shaft 2II so as to rotate therewith while permitting relative longitudinal movement between the shaft 2II' and the gear 2I9. The arm 291 comprises a rearward extension 2I9, the end of which engages a pin 2I9 located within the sleeve 2I2. The opposite end of the pin 2l9 engages the shaft 2". This shaft is provided with a frusto conical cam surface 229. When the shaft 2II is moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 1, or upwardly, as viewed in Figs. 11 to 14, the cam surface 229 pushes the pin 2 I 9 outwardly so that the tone arm is swung around its pivot rod 299. When the tone arm is located on the left hand side of the record, as shown in Fig. 11, this movement of the rod 2" moves the tone arm away from the record II9 to the left, as viewed in Fig. 1, or upwardly. as viewed in Figs. 11 and 12. When the tone arm is in the position shown in Fig. 14, that is, when it is playing the right hand side of a record, as viewed in Fig. 1, then the movement of the shaft 2" referred to causes the tone arm to move to the right away from the record II9 into the position shown in Fig. 13. The tone arm 291 is provided with a counterweight 22I so that it is practically independent of gravity in all its positions. The tone arm is biased by a small spring 222, which is preferably located adjacent the rod 299, towards the record with the same pressure at all times. This spring causes the pickup to come into contact with the record immediately the shaft 2II moves to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1. The frame or yoke 2I9 carries on the side opposite the tone arm 291 a counterweight 223, so that the tone arm assembly is practically unaffected by gravity when playing either side of a record located in a vertical plane. The yoke 2I9 is pivotally mounted by means of an integral sleeve 229, which is mounted for free rotation on a horizontal axis within a boss 22!, which is carried by the frame plate I99. Free movement of the .tone arm is insured by means of ball b'earings 229 between the sleeve 229 and the boss 225. The shaft 2Il extends through the sleeve 229 and through an opening in the frame plate I. Between the sleeve 229 and the frame plate I, the shaft 2I1 carries a pinion 221, which meshes with a sector gear 229. A coil spring 229 is located around the shaft 2" so as to abut against the pinion 221 and against the right hand end of the sleeve 229. Consequently, the shaft 2I1 tends to maintain its extreme right hand position as shown in Fig. 1, which corresponds to the lowermost positions as shown in Figs. 11 and 14. The shaft 2I1 is adapted to be displaced to the left, as viewed in Fig. 1, by means of a lever 299, which is pivotally mounted at 23I on the outer or right hand side of the frame plat I. The lever 239 extends rearwardly beyond its pivot 29 I and this projecting portion is provided with a button 232 whereby the lever 239 may be swung manually, if desired. At its rearmost end the lever 299 engages the inner or left hand side of a projection 233 (see particularly Figs. 22 to 25), which is mounted on the turntable clamping lever 299, previously referred to. The lever 299 is also pivotally mounted on the outer or right hand side of the frame plate I, and it is held by a spring 299 against the outer end of the rod 2M, and with its projection 293 against the lever 239.

The lever 239 is adapted to be actuated by a bell crank lever 299, which is pivotally mounted on the outer or right hand side of the frame plate III, the pivot being shown at 295 in Figs. 2, 16, 21, and 22. One arm of the bell crank lever 299 extends upwardly and engages the inner or left hand side of the lever 239 rearwardly of its pivot 29I. The other arm of the bell crank lever 239 extends inwardly through an opening 239 in the frame plate I and through an opening 231 in a vertical plate 238, which is adapted to slide vertically Figs. 16 and 21. The sliding plate 239 has a lower slotted end which is guided for sliding movement in the vertical direction by engagement with a bobbin 239 secured to a cam shaft 299. The upper end of the sliding plate 299 is provided with a slot I which receives a pin 292 rigidly mounted in the frame plate I. Suitable guides, such as pins 293, maintain the plate299 in a vertical position. The plate 238 carries a cam roller 299, which engages a cam 295 keyed on the shaft 299.

It may here be stated that the cam shaft 299 is given two parts of a revolution during the cycle of playing a record. When a record is being played, the cam 245 and the cam roller 244 have the positions shown in Fig. 26, which corresponds to a view looking from the right hand of the machine, or the right hand side of Fig. 1. The levers 230 and 204 have the position shown in Fig. 25, which corresponds to the pickup needle being in engagement with the record and the turntables IOI and I92 holding the record being played, clamped between them. It may here be noted also that the turntable clamping lever 204 is forcibly held against the rod 20I by means of the spring 234 secured to the rear end of said lever, which is sumciently strong to overcome both the springs I98 and 203 associated with the turntable clamping arrangement. When the record has been played, the cam shaft 240 is driven through somewhat less than a half revolution in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 26. During the initial part of this part revolution, the cam roller 244 and the sliding plate 238 are elevated somewhat to a position corresponding to a point 245 on the cam 245. This movement moves the lever 230 into the intermediate position shown in Fig. 23, from which it will be understood that the pickup has been moved away from the record, which record is still held clamped between the turntables. Continued rotation of the cam 245 locates the cam roller 244 upon an arcuate portion 248 of the cam 245, which results in the slight movement of the lever 204 away from the frame plate I into the position shown in Fig. 24. This slight outward movement of the hollow shaft I63 and the rod 20I retracts the turntable I92 away from the record H4. The record is prevented from following the turntable I92 by means of two posts 250 (Figs. 1 and 3) carried by the frame plate I40 on either side of the turntable member I92. These posts are slightly to the right of the level of the surface of the turntable I92 when that member is in record engaging position. However. when the turntable I92 is retracted in the manner just described. its surface is located to the right of the end of the two pins 250. The two pins 250 have rounded ends and are highly polished so that the record is not injured by contact therewith. When the turntable I92 is thus retracted, leaving the record supported by the centering pin I99, the record very soon loses its rotation. Continued rotation of the cam 245 locates the cam roller 244 upon the highest part of the cam 245, with the result that the levers 230 and 204 are moved into the position shown in Fig. 22. It will be noted that the centering pin has moved to the right into the hollow shaft I53, as shown in Fig. 52. These operations are completed during a rotation of the cam shaft 240 of somewhat less than 90 degrees, and are performed in the reverse order during the latter portion of the second part of the rotation of the cam shaft 240. This second part of the rotation occurs immediately before a record is played. In the embodiment of the invention shown, this part rotation amounts to about 225. At the initial part of this part rotation, the cam roller 244 rests upon the highest arc of the cam 245. It remains upon this highest arc while the cam rotates almost 90 degrees. As has been pointed out, the levers 220 and 204 are in the position shown in Fig. 22. At the end of rotation of somewhat less than 90 degrees from the beginning of the second part-revolution, the cam roller 244 moves downwardly and rests upon an arcuate surface 25I of the cam 245 of less radius.

The resulting movement of the sliding plate 250 in the downward direction brings the levers 250 and 204 into the position shown in Fig. 24. This movement effects the projection of the centering pin I out of the hollow shaft I65 and into the opening 200 in the turntable I9I. Con tinued rotation of the cam 245 brings the roller 244 to a position 252, corresponding to the position of the levers 230 and 204 shown in Fig. 23. This change of position effects the bodily movement of the hollow shaft I53 so as to move the turntable I92 to clamping position. The resulting movement of the tone arm actuating shaft 2" has no effect upon the tone arm because at this time the pin 2|! is resting against the cylindrical surface 241, which is located to the right hand side of the frustro conical cam surface 200. During the final portion of the part revolution, the cam roller 244 moves downwardly into its lowermost position, shown in Fig. 26, and the lever 230 moves into the position shown in Fig. 25. This movement corresponds to the lowering of the tone arm onto the record; that is, the movement of the tone arm from the position shown in Fig. 12 to the position shown in Fig. 11, or from the position shown in Fig. 13 to the position shown in Fig. 14, depending upon the location of the tone arm on one side of the record or the other side of the record.

As will hereinafter be described, the tone arm 201, after playing the record, may be returned towards its initial playing position in the opposite manner in which it travelled during the playing. Or it may be moved in the same direction as it moved during playing so that it may be brought into engagement with the record or another record at a point approximately diametrically opposite and on the opposite side of the record from its initial playing position. The actuations of the tone arm are effected by the previously referred to sector gear 220, which meshes with the pinion 221 on shaft 2" and is thrown in one direction or the other in a manner hereinafter to be described. It is to be noted that when the sector is actuated so as to throw the tone arm in a direction which is a continuation of its direction of movement during playing, the spring pressed detent 256 carried by the tone arm supporting bracket 2" comes into contact with the projection 255 on the boss 225 (Fig. 31). While the sector 228 primarily drives the shaft 2II, the tone arm 201 moves bodily therewith on account of the friction of the gears 2I5 and 2I6. The frictional resistance between the pin 255 and the projection 255 is such that movement of the sector becomes effective in rotating the tone arm 201, or rather its supporting frame 2I0, about its axis. This rotation of the tone arm continues until the pin 254 on sleeve 2l2 reaches the opposite end of the slot 253 in bushing 2I3 (see Figs. 11 to 14) When the resistance of this stop is encountered, the sector, continuing to drive the shaft 2I'l, moves the pin 256 past the projection 255, and the tone arm assembly is carried bodily to the new record playing position. As best seen in Fig. 31, the projection 255 and the spring pressed pin 25B are located so that they become engaged when the tone arm axis is directed rearwardly and somewhat upwardly with respect to the horizontal. The various tone arm movements are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 32A to 32D, inclusive. In Fig. 32A the pickup 205 engages the outer periphery of the record for playing the selection on the left hand side, ad- 

